The Brooklyn Hi-Art! Machine is a project that began when Mildred Beltre and Oasa DuVerney started making art together in each other’s apartments. As we shared stories and experiences while making our work, we wondered if we could bring a similar experience to our other neighbors. So, in the summer of 2010 we co-founded a collaborative public art project that explores art making as a community-building tool. The Brooklyn Hi-Art! Machine is a community based, socially engaged project in Crown Heights Brooklyn. Dubbing ourselves the “Official Unofficial Artists in Residence” of our block, we set up tents, tables, a banner, and art supplies on the street outside our apartment building, and began working.

Hope Less, Do More (north side)2013fabric woven into fence

Hope Less, Do More (south side)2013fabric on fence

We Are Still Here (south side)2012Fabric on fence

Do Not Disappear into Silence (south side)2014fabric woven into fence

Do Not Disappear Into Silence (north side)2014Fabrice woven into fence

fence weaving in process2014

Awkward2013chalk on sidewalk

In response to the awkwardness of gentrification

The Brooklyn Hi-Art Machine Presents: A Guide To Tenant Rights and Community Activities2014Cover of book

In the summer of 2012 BHAM offered their artistic services such as sewing and mending, portraiture, and thank you and please forgive me card making and invited local artist to facilitate art workshops.